Supplemented with multimedia elements, this 60-minute guided tour helps you explore the Xiqu Centre facilities and discover fascinating facts about our new venue, and the culture and stories behind the art of xiqu

Supplemented with multimedia elements, this 60-minute guided tour helps you explore the Xiqu Centre facilities and discover fascinating facts about our new venue, and the culture and stories behind the art of xiqu

Presented by our Tea House Rising Stars Troupe, this 90-minute narrated performance is specially designed to introduce new audiences to Chinese traditional theatre. To recreate the atmosphere of Hong Kong’s early 20th century tea houses, audiences are also served traditional tea and dim sum during the show

Supplemented with multimedia elements, this 60-minute guided tour helps you explore the Xiqu Centre facilities and discover fascinating facts about our new venue, and the culture and stories behind the art of xiqu

Accompanying the China Theatre Association Plum Blossom Award Troupe performances, this screening series showcases the work of award-winning artists and the regional characteristics of different xiqu genres, and offers an exciting opportunity for audiences to catch some rare examples of fine xiqu cinema

This talk explores the wide range of musical elements used in Cantonese opera, looking at the different vocal styles used for male and female roles, and the use of percussive instruments and rhythmic melodies to enhance mood and narrative

Presented by our Tea House Rising Stars Troupe, this 90-minute narrated performance is specially designed to introduce new audiences to Chinese traditional theatre. To recreate the atmosphere of Hong Kong’s early 20th century tea houses, audiences are also served traditional tea and dim sum during the show

This talk looks at how acting, martial arts and dance are combined in Cantonese opera stage movement to create patterns of formulaic gesture that help define character and contribute to the unfolding of plot

In this talk, West Kowloon’s Executive Director of Performing Arts Louis Yu offers insight into the design and venue positioning of the Xiqu Centre, looking at the venue’s unusual use of space and its relationship with local Cantonese opera communities

After pledging his love to Xiaoyu, the beautiful daughter of Prince Huo, the handsome young Li Yi suddenly disappears. Broken hearted, Xiaoyu assumes she has been deserted, until the arrival of a knight in yellow robes reveals the truth…

In a depressed and drunken slumber, recently demoted Tang dynasty general Chun Yufen dreams he visits a strange land where he is presented with riches and power. When his fortune is squandered through greed and corruption, he wakes full of remorse

After dreaming of an encounter with a handsome stranger, the lovesick young Du Liniang is so bewitched that she dies of longing. Later, when the scholar Liu Mengmei discovers a portrait of Liniang, he is filled with a sense of romantic déjà vu…

This four-part adaptation of an award-winning novel brings to life an intricate tale and showcases the unique charm of the narrative Pingtan tradition. Each part is performed on consecutive evenings, with two complete four-night runs over the programme period

In this fun, free workshop, local artists Kong Hoi-kan and Ng Sze-yu show you how to make a simple xiqu-inspired brooch using colourful sequins and share insight into the symbolic role of garments and head pieces in xiqu performances

This mixed excerpt performance offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience highlights from some of the less familiar regional xiqu variations, including a Gannan tea-picking opera from Jiangxi and an archaic Ouju piece from Zhejiang

Showcasing highlights from the oldest form of xiqu still performed today, this selection demonstrates the nuance, grace and regional characteristics of Kunqu acting and singing and the talents of the specialist performers

Featuring a line-up of talented nanyin performers, this special concert marks the launch of a live recording of a 1975 performance by blind singer Dou Wun, one of Hong Kong’s most renowned nanyin artists

Adapted from a Korean folk tale, this original new play is set in imperial China and recounts the forbidden love between a coutesan’s daughter and the son of a magistrate. Will their commitment prove stronger than the challenges that face them, or will fate tear them apart?

Featuring seven Cantonese opera films produced in Hong Kong between 1948 and 1962, this screening series explores the complex relationship between on-stage and on-screen personas of some of the most renowned stage artists of the time. Also included is the award-winning contemporary documentary My Way, chronicling the struggle of two aspiring Cantonese opera actors

A talented scholar and a courtesan fall in love after years of exchanging letters and poetry. Although fate conspires to keep them apart, the pair are finally united after a series of tantalising twists and turns...

Based on the life of poet Lu You, this heart-wrenching play tells the story of his tragic separation from his first wife, and their accidental meeting, many years later, after both of them have remarried...

Based on texts from the Analects, this new play recounts the exploits of Confucius, one of the most influential philosophers in Chinese history, who spent 14 years travelling to preach his wisdom to the warlords of ancient China

A belligerant war hero demands the hand of a beautiful princess. Discovering that she is in love with another he threatens the pair with an deadly ultimatum. Will the lovers manage to outwit this powerful and dangerous man?

This romantic legend tells the tale of Ai and Yang. Separated by a raging fire set by a jealous prince, the young lovers jump to their death in the flames. Reunited in the afterlife, their love is blessed for eternity

In a tale of romantic intrigue and wrongdoing, a besotted court clerk murders his wife to elope with his lover. Although he carefully arranges the crime scene to make himself look innocent, there is one detail he overlooks...

After a heated duel, general Gao and Liu Jinding, the female chief of a mountain fortress, find themselves so drawn to each other that when Gao is captured by the enemy, Liu single-handedly comes to his rescue. An action-packed romantic drama offering a treat for martial arts fans

A Spring Festival staple, this entertaining comedy tells the story of a marital crisis involving a browbeaten scholar, a philandering father-in-law, false accusations and lies. But can there still be a happy ending?

For our Grand Opening, and the 60th anniversary of its premiere, we present legendary dramatist Tong Tik-sang’s The Reincarnation of Red Plum. Under the artistic direction of legendary veteran Pak Suet Sin, the production celebrates the living tradition of Cantonese opera, showcasing three generations of talented performers and offering a new perspective on an enduring classic

In this talk, Cantonese opera playwright Woo Kwok-yin shares insight into the creative process behind his work The Peregrinations of Confucius, and explores how xiqu as a multidisciplinary art form can breathe new life and relevancy into classic texts

Between 1940 and 1970, a large number of stars from the Cantonese opera stage entered the film industry in Hong Kong. This talk looks at the impact of this phenomenon, and the importance of Cantonese opera films as historical records of performances from that era

Featuring two specially selected set pieces and a series of excerpt performances, this auspicious programme is presented by the Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong and features some of the city’s most talented performers

Professor Chan Sau-yan, expert on the musical structure, performance practice, ethnographic and historical aspects of Cantonese opera, looks at the tradition of religious operas in Hong Kong, and the challenges of preserving an ancient art form in a market-oriented economy

Cantonese operas are often based on stories of love and married life. The wives in these tales may be meek and loving or powerful and cunning. This talk looks at some of the Xiqu Centre opening performances to explore what makes a “perfect wife” on the Cantonese opera stage

Melodic and song-like, xiaoqu can incorporate traditional instrumental melodies, folk songs, contemporary pop songs and even theme tunes from films and TV shows. This talk explores the origins and development of xiaoqu and its unique function in Cantonese opera